Flooding caused by Typhoon Maysak has led to snakes on the loose after a snake farm was washed away in China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.
The region has been dealing with severe flooding for several days. Authorities issued the highest flood alert on Monday, and by Tuesday afternoon, 62 rivers had risen above flood-warning levels. The Qingshui River recorded the largest flood since monitoring began.
The snake farm in Dengwei Village, Hengzhou, was destroyed after the nearby Liulan and Yunbiao reservoirs overflowed on Monday morning. Officials estimate that between 800 and 900 snakes escaped when floodwaters swept through the farm.
Wu Zhi, head of the Dengwei Village committee, said one resident was bitten by a snake and was taken to hospital for emergency treatment. He also explained that most of the escaped snakes were not venomous.
According to local officials, many of the snakes were carried away by the floodwaters. Only a small number remain in the area, mainly on floating debris and stagnant floodwater. Most of the snakes captured so far have been non-venomous water snakes.
The farm raises three species of snakes: cobras, king rat snakes, and water snakes. Of these, only the cobras are venomous. The snakes are bred for traditional medicine, meat, and the production of anti-venom.
Residents shared videos and photos online showing snakes on the loose swimming through flooded streets and fields, warning others to stay alert. In response, local authorities formed a team to capture the escaped snakes using fishing equipment and stun guns.
Officials have advised residents not to try to catch snakes themselves. Instead, anyone who spots a snake should report it to the village committee so trained professionals can deal with the situation safely.
The flooding caused by Typhoon Maysak has affected Nanning and nearby villages, while the storm has also brought thunderstorms and rare tornadoes to areas hundreds of kilometres away.